Candlelight skis and hikes in state parks include Lake Geneva, Eagle

Candlelight skiing, hiking and snowshoeing events will be held at a number of state parks and properties early next year, including an event at Big Foot Beach State Park in Lake Geneva. Facebook photo

Candlelight skiing, hiking and snowshoeing events will be held at a number of state parks and properties early next year, including an event at Big Foot Beach State Park in Lake Geneva. Facebook photo

MADISON - People looking for an opportunity to break in their new cross-country skis or snowshoes or just getting out on their tried-and-true equipment will have plenty of opportunities this winter with 27 candlelight skis, hikes or snowshoes scheduled at Wisconsin state parks and other Department of Natural Resources properties, including sites in Lake Geneva and Eagle.

Once again this year, early snows have blanketed the entire state, so most state parks and forests with ski trails have been able to groom and track the trails. While most of the events include options for skiing and hiking or snowshoeing, some trails are skiing only and some are hiking or snowshoeing only.

Many of the events held throughout the winter include additional activities such as bonfires, and hot chocolate and other refreshments may be available for sale. Some events offer grills for cooking food or roasting marshmallows. Some properties have warming shelters that are open for the events. Many of the events are organized by the friends groups of the parks, which provide much of the volunteer labor for the events.

The candlelight ski and hik at the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit in Eagle takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25.

A candlelight hike or snowshoe event at Big Foot Beach State Park will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. Participants will be able to purchase hot chocolate, s'mores and other treats.

Events may be cancelled in case of inclement weather or due to poor trail conditions - remember to check before you go.